Sunday, September 29, 2013

violate

Also a verb, this word means to break, disregard or infringe an agreement or the law.

In particular contexts, it means to sexually assault or rape a person and, in relation to places of worship and memorials, to break in upon and disturb a sanctuary.

It arises from 15 Century Latin violare which means to use strength to do violence to someone or something.

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